Universities and colleges across the country faced many issues regarding the registration and enrollment of students for the 2022 academic year.
Speaking to the media in early March the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation Dr Blade Nzimande expressed his concern for students who were struggling to enroll and settle in at their higher education institutions.
Students faced issues with pending registrations, unblocking of returning students, payment of allowances, historic debt, mandatory vaccinations and accommodation.
Many were left without accommodation and food supplies due to these issues and student leaders across South Africa engaged in peaceful demonstrations to raise awareness of their struggles.
This caused many universities and colleges to extend their registration deadlines while others also delayed the commencement of the academic year so that all students were able to start at the same time.
Now Nzimande has commended higher education institution staff and student leaders for all their efforts to ensure that the commencement of the 2022 academic year was a success.
A total of 1 093 353 students have been enrolled at public universities across the country with the University of South Africa (Unisa) having enrolled the most students at a total of 365 909.
The number of students enrolled in undergraduate programmes at universities totalled 916 774.
"I encourage both management and students to work together in resolving any challenges that may arise." Minister Nzimande said in a social media post.
A number of universities have since started opening their applications for 2023 now that enrollment issues have been resolved.
These institutions are Rhodes University, Tshwane University of Technology, Wits University and the University of Limpopo.
